HR Specialist (59118)

The HR Specialist is an entry-level role supporting the daily needs of our office in Ainsworth, Nebraska. The position is responsible for working closely with the HR Generalist and CHRO to provide general human resources support to employees at Sandy Pine. Employee relations support, policy interpretation and guidance, recruitment/foreign visa program, new employee onboarding, and administration of leave programs will be some of the assigned duties. Provides exceptional support to internal and external customers.

Job Duties:

• Provides Human Resources (HR) guidance and resolution to compliance issues through policy interpretation and application, management coaching and development, counseling and investigation.
• Monitors, documents, and ensures compliance with HR policies and procedures; communicates and interprets policies and procedures; investigates and reviews complaints, including discrimination and harassment; and assists CHRO in resolving policy and procedure related issues. Partners with broader HR team to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all locations.
• Provides general support with the administration of leave programs, including the required certification and notification process; supports employees with questions related to the leave process, benefits and return to work requirements.
• Partner with managers on staffing needs and help source and interview candidates, including foreign workers within various visa programs in partnership with our law firm. 
• Coordinates the pre-employment and onboarding process with candidates to ensure tasks are timely completed; including onboarding paperwork and housing needs.
• Provides general administration support to broader Human Resources team with scanning/filing of employee documents for record retention; acts as a point of contact for employee and manager inquiries.
• Manages the visa program for foreign workers (TN & H2A) and PERM (green card) programs; partners with prospective candidates, employees, managers and various law firms throughout the process; handles all documentation, required approvals, repayment plans, invoice reconciliation, and ongoing administration and timely completion of renewals.
• Interprets for Spanish speaking employees in various employment situations. Demonstrates proficient knowledge and skills in two languages: English and Spanish. Displays cultural sensitivity, awareness and respect to all parties involved to build confidence and trust in all interactions. Translates company documents, meeting recordings, and other information as needed, producing high quality written translation.
• Exemplifies, promotes and fosters the company's mission, values and reputation as best place to work in industry. Support a culture focused on a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others, collaboration, and the shared purpose to always do what's right. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned by management.

Job Requirements:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• 1-2 years of related experience preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish required; highly proficient in both English and Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing in both languages fluently.
• Working at our office in Ainsworth required.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal labor regulations preferred.
• Proven experience in managing visa programs for foreign workers (TN & H2A) and PERM (green cards) desired; or aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to exercise judgement and/or discretion in making independent decisions. Able to work at a fast pace while handling confidential and sensitive information with high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and within team environment.
• Positive attitude, detail, and customer oriented with good multitasking and organizational ability.
• Ability to meet local travel needs to represent company at various recruitment and employee functions, including local travel between work locations.
• Proficient in use of MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Willingness to take on additional duties as assigned by management.

Benefits:

Sandy Pine offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time positions:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Paid Time Off